Boston Celtics Orlando Magic Game 3 Predictions
Written May 8, 2009 by Jason Lowry
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The Orlando Magic and the Boston Celtics are all tied up at 1-1, as the Celtics came away with a crucial 112-94 win in game 2 to even the series. The Celtics were dominated at time in game 1, and many thought they should of lost that game by 20+ points. In game 2 it was a much different story, as the Celtics prety much had control throughout. Rajon Rondo was back to his old ways of being a force for the Celtics, as Rondo came away his third triple-double of the playoffs. Rondo had 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 18 assists. It wasn’t just Rondo that had it going for the Celtics, as Eddie House came off the bench to score 31 points, shooting a ridiculous 11-14 from the field and 5-6 from the free throw line. Ray Allen had 22 points to help out he starters, but Paul Pierce had just 3 points in 16 minutes of play, as he couldn’t stay on the floor because of foul trouble. For the Magic it was a pretty balance attack with Rashard Lewis and Michael Pietrus scoring 17 to lead the team. JJ Redick had a solid 15 points and Hedo Turkoglu had 14, but the big story was the Celtics held Dwight Howard to just 12 points and 12 rebounds. The series has shifted to Orlando this Saturday, and here is a look at what I think each team needs to do to win, plus my prediction on who comes out on top.
What the Celtics have to do: Boston really just needs to play like they did in game 2, but I don’t think they will be winning too many more games with Pierce scoring just 3 points. It was really good for this team, that Rondo was more aggressive on the offensive end, and its really amazing how well he is distributing the basketball this postseason, as he as really become a legit point guard in this league. I think the Celtics nee d to keep focusing on Howard on defense, as they have really limited his scoring in the first two games. Foul trouble continues to be a problem for the Celtics, as Davis spent most of game 1 in foul trouble, and Pierce did just the same in game 2. After a terrible start to the postseason, the Celtic’s bench has really started to play much better, and if they keep getting offensive outburst from House like they did in game 2, this team could go a lot farther than some people think. I am still waiting for the big 3 of Rondo, Allen, and Pierce to get it going in the same game consistency, as this could be a championship team, if they do so. Bet the Boston Celtics +4.5 to win at Sportsbook.com.
What the Magic have to do to win: The Magic took a big blow with the suspension to Rafer Alston, as the team is already thin at the point guard position, with their opening day starter Jameer Nelson out with an injury. That likely means that Anthony Johson gets some more playing time, and he was pretty good at the job in game 2, with 5 points and 7 assists in just 18 minutes of play. I think you will also see JJ Redick handle the ball a little more in game 3, but they still need Redick’s scoring, as he has topped double figures in each of the first two games. The Magic will win this series if Dwight Howard can start taking over games, but he really hasn’t been that big of an offensive threat so far, and was really bad from the free throw line in game 2, going 2 of 8. Either Lewis or Turkoglu has to step it up in game 3, as the Magic have yet to have a single player score more than 20 points. Most important of all is defense for this team, and they could of won game 2, if they had not let House catch fire. Bet the Orlando Magic -4.5 at Sportsbook.com.Â
My Prediction: Celtics +4.5. Even though Alston hasn’t been a huge player in this series so far, his absence will be huge for the Magic in game 3, and I think it will be just enough to let the Celtics steal one on the road. I think losing a guy that is more of a pass first type of player, it really hurts your offense, and the Magic are known to get a little one-on-on happy. I look for a big game from Pierce in game 3, as he got a ton of rest in game 2.Â
For those of you looking to do some NBA betting this postseason, check out our expert NBA picks and grab the latest NBA odds at Betfirms.
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One Response to “Boston Celtics Orlando Magic Game 3 Predictions”
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MAGIC know what they need to do now and they’ll get it done. Taking the dog…….as small as it is…..Cleveland needs some exercise. The Magic will be a much more entertaining opponent for the CAVS…..if it comes down to the wire, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a little help from the officials either.
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